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Copyright 2014, Mansueto Ventureshttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssen-usSun, 02 Aug 2015 20:25 +0000mclendaniel@fastcoexist.com (Morgan Clendaniel)Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:25 +0000faster@fastcompany.com (Fast Company)TXJP (0.0.1)ideasimpactfutureenvironmentsustainabilitygreen solar powerfuturist/asset_files/static/logos/fastcoexist/exist-fb-icon_big.pngCo.Exist//www.fastcoexist.com
News, infographics, and videos about the future of energy, electric cars, the environment, and food on FastCoExist.com.4848While We're Doing The Flags, Here Are Some Other Confederate Things We Should Get Rid Of<p>In the wake of the shootings in Charleston, an amazing national groundswell of support has built for removing the Confederate flags that have flown from state capitals throughout the South. Businesses like <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3047785/fast-feed/ebay-bans-confederate-flag-sales" target="_self">Amazon, eBay, and Walmart</a> have banned the selling of flags and flag-related material. The country's largest flag maker has said <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/exclusive-major-u-flag-maker-stop-making-confederate-184108179—finance.html" target="_blank">it will stop making the flag entirely</a>. And guerrilla protestors around the country are <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3047775/protestors-are-painting-over-confederate-statues-with-the-words-black-lives-matter" target="_self">starting to deface the statues honoring Confederate generals and politicians</a>.</p>
<p>But the reach of the Confederacy—and the almost-insane tone-deafness of organizations and politicians who celebrate its history—goes well beyond the flag and hides in other insidious ways throughout the region. Here are just a few examples:</p>
<p><a href="http://kappasigma.org/" target="_blank">Kappa Sigma</a> is a fraternity founded at the University of Virginia in 1869 (note, after the South had lost the Civil War). Today, it boasts more than 18,000 collegiate members and many more alumni, <a href="http://kappasigma.org/prominent-alumni/" target="_blank">including North Carolina Senator Richard Burr</a>. It also boasts one—and only one—honorary member: Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, racist, and traitor to America.</p>
<p>The fraternity likes Jefferson Davis so much that, in 2013, it <a href="http://kappasigma.org/jefferson-davis-birthday/" target="_blank">wished him a "Happy Birthday" on its national website</a>. This page was taken down once we called to ask about it, but as you can see, the URL makes it clear what was there. Plus, here's a picture:</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2015/06/3047854-inline-i-0-jefferson-davies.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p>In January of 2014, <a href="http://kappasigma.org/bertram-hayes-davis-becomes-special-initiate/" target="_blank">the national website welcomed a new member</a>: "Brother Hayes-Davis is the great-great grandson of Jefferson Davis, Sr., who is Kappa Sigma's only honorary initiate." (This page, too, has been taken down, but again, the URL reveals all).</p>
<p>We called the frat for comment about what it planned to do about its honorary member, but no one got back to us. They did, however, quickly delete those pages.</p>
<p>On a larger political scale, there's also Senator Thad Cochran, the current senior senator from Mississippi. Senator Cochran recently issued a s<a href="http://www.cochran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=da4213fb-a978-4dc8-a2e2-064fb194e892" target="_blank">tatement saying he thinks Mississippi should change its flag</a>, which features a large Confederate flag. But when the senator goes to the U.S. Senate chamber, he sits at a desk that was once used by Jefferson Davis, when Davis was a senator from Mississippi, before he betrayed his country by leading a breakaway republic based on maintaining the institution of slavery.</p>
<figure class="inline-small inline">
<img src="//h.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-small/inline/2015/06/3047854-inline-sdesks.gif" alt=""/><figcaption><span class="credit">Senate.gov</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The desk—and a "cute" story about how it was <a href="http://www.senate.gov/vtour/jddesk.htm" target="_blank">almost destroyed by right-thinking soldiers</a> from Massachusetts before they were stopped by some Senate factotum—is featured all over the Senate's website. The desk is notable not only because it is Davis's old desk, but because <a href="http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/art/special/Desks/hdetail.cfm?id=8" target="_blank">Cochran himself spearheaded a Senate resolution in 1995 that officially makes Davis's desk the desk of the senior senator from Mississippi</a>. Thad Cochran made a law that he has to have the desk used by the President of the Confederacy.</p>
<p>We called Cochran's office for comment about whether he would keep using the desk. They have not gotten back to us, but a reporter from <em>Roll Call</em> tracked him down in the Senate. The <a href="http://blogs.rollcall.com/wgdb/mississippi-senators-defend-jefferson-davis-statue/?dcz=" target="_blank">Senator had this to say</a>:</p>
<p>"I don't know. I don't want them taking my desk away either. That's Jefferson Davis's desk over there where I'm sitting. …I'm very proud to have that. The senior senator from Mississippi always is given the opportunity to sit at the Davis desk."</p>
<p>And finally, there is <a href="http://www.stonemountainpark.com/" target="_blank">Stone Mountain</a>. Stone Mountain is the Mount Rushmore of the Confederacy. This is quite literal: It was carved by the same men who carved Mount Rushmore. But instead of four presidents, it features 190-foot tall likeness of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis. It's in a park owned by the state of Georgia, which also features a replica of a working plantation and other tourist attractions. The park is on Robert E. Lee Boulevard.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2015/06/3047854-inline-i-1-jefferson-davies.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption><span class="credit">Flickr user <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/82538566%40N00/6768246443" target="_blank">Jim Bowen</a></span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Just in case you think the potential racism of a memorial like this is merely symbolic, you should know that the monument was an official gathering place for the KKK for many years, where they burned crosses and held rallies. Now there are laser shows "to honor our troops" that are projected on the monument to three men who spent years fighting and killing American soldiers.</p>
<p>The governor of Georgia, Nathan Deal, recently came out in <a href="http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2015/06/23/nathan-deal-wants-redesign-of-confederate-license-tags/" target="_blank">support of a "redesign" of the state's license plates honoring the Sons of Confederate Veterans</a>, so that the plates would no longer show the Confederate flag (they would still exist and honor the Sons of Confederate Veterans, though). We got in touch with the Governor's office to see if he also supported doing something about the state park which features giant carvings of Confederate heroes; they didn't respond.</p>
<p>The flags are an excellent first step. The statues and monuments may be next. But Confederate ephemera has seeped deeply into the institutions of the South, and even the whole country, in much more subtle ways than just flying a flag. It will take a long time, and a lot of effort, to root it out.</p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3047854http://www.fastcoexist.com/3047854/while-were-doing-the-flags-here-are-some-other-confederate-things-we-should-get-rid-of?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3047854/while-were-doing-the-flags-here-are-some-other-confederate-things-we-should-get-rid-of?partner=rss#commentsThu, 25 Jun 2015 12:02 +0000InnovationCo.Exist Is Looking For An Assistant Editor<p>Co.Exist, <em>Fast Company</em>'s site on ideas and impact, is hiring an assistant editor. The editor will find, pitch, and report stories on everything from the latest studies on carbon emissions to the office of the future to radical solutions to income inequality. The editor will also help with editing and packaging some of our daily stories and generating larger ideas and strategy for the site.</p>
<p>You should have experience covering science or social entrepreneurship, preferably for an online publication, and you should feel as comfortable breaking a 250-word news item as you are filing a 2,500-word feature. The position will largely be writing and reporting, with room to grow editorially. A background in science or business journalism is a plus, but not required. This is a full-time job with benefits and competitive pay. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Co.Exist editor Morgan Clendaniel: <a href="mailto:mclendaniel@fastcompany.com">mclendaniel@fastcompany.com</a> with the subject "Co.Exist Assistant Editor."</p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3046594http://www.fastcoexist.com/3046594/coexist-is-looking-for-an-assistant-editor?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3046594/coexist-is-looking-for-an-assistant-editor?partner=rss#commentsTue, 26 May 2015 13:44 +0000InnovationThe 6 Most Enlightening Education Stories Of 2014<aside class="note "><div class="note-inner"><hgroup></hgroup><p>Want more of Co.Exist's best stories of 2014? Read all of our end-of-the-year round-ups, in all of these categories:<br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-Read Stories</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">Photos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">Infographics</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">Lists</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">Videos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">Maps</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">Buildings</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Robots</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Transportation</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Bikes</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Food</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Collaborative Consumption</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Cities</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Energy</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">Environment</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Health</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">Crowdfunding</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Innovative Workplaces</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Privacy</a><br />
</p></div></aside>
<p>Our children have been called our greatest asset, and this year, we set upon making sure our assets were in the best possible shape. Not their minds, of course, but their bodies. Aside from constant partisan bickering about charter schools, core curricula, STEM funding, and standardized testing, we saw two odd projects get the most attention: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3036187/standing-desks-are-coming-to-schools-to-cure-obesity-and-increase-attention-spans" target="_self">Standing desks for students</a> and—if that's not enough—<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3036607/this-school-has-bikes-instead-of-desks-and-it-turns-out-thats-a-better-way-to-learn" target="_self">biking desks for students.</a> The crazy part is, they might actually work.</p>
<p>What else might work? <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037843/heres-what-happens-when-a-school-pays-its-teachers-a-lot-lot-more-money" target="_self">Paying teachers more money</a>. A school that put that proposition into practice saw amazing results (and very happy teachers), but is it scalable to the rest of the education world?</p>
<p>What's in store for the next year of education? More technology, surely. But does that actually create the kind of thinking students we want? One <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037181/what-book-should-you-read-next-putting-librarians-and-algorithms-to-the-test" target="_self">test of algorithms versus humans</a> made it clear that computers maybe don't have the lead yet, at least when it comes to cultural tastes.</p>
<p>Read all of our most popular education stories below (here's <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3023092/the-top-13-education-stories-of-2013" target="_self">what we were talking about last year, if you want to stay back a grade</a>):</p>
<p><strong>1: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037843/heres-what-happens-when-a-school-pays-its-teachers-a-lot-lot-more-money" target="_self">Here's What Happens When A School Pays Teachers A Lot Lot More Money</a></strong></p>
<p>What if teachers were paid salaries more on par with doctors and lawyers? Lo and behold, the teachers perform better and students learn more.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//d.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040053-inline-education-1.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>2: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3036607/this-school-has-bikes-instead-of-desks-and-it-turns-out-thats-a-better-way-to-learn" target="_self">This School Has Bikes Instead Of Desks—And It Turns Out That's A Better Way To Learn</a></strong></p>
<p>Some schools are canceling recess. But this North Carolina grade school is going in the opposite direction: Kids ride bikes as they read.</p>
<p><strong>3: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029109/futurist-forum/5-bold-predictions-for-the-future-of-higher-education" target="_self">5 Bold Predictions For The Future Of Higher Education</a></strong></p>
<p>What, where, and how will we learn?</p>
<p><strong>4: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037181/what-book-should-you-read-next-putting-librarians-and-algorithms-to-the-test" target="_self">What Book Should You Read Next? Putting Librarians And Algorithms To The Test</a></strong></p>
<p>More and more, computer-generated recommendations run our lives. But are they really the best way to expand your cultural horizons?</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//c.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040053-inline-education-2.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>5:<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3036187/standing-desks-are-coming-to-schools-to-cure-obesity-and-increase-attention-spans" target="_self"> Standing Desks Are Coming To Schools, To Cure Obesity And Increase Attention Spans</a></strong></p>
<p>First they infiltrated our offices, and now they're coming for our kids.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//b.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040053-inline-education-3.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>6: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038589/the-prison-coding-class-that-might-have-inmates-making-six-figures-on-their-release" target="_self">The Prison Coding Class That Might Have Inmates Making Six Figures On Their Release</a></strong></p>
<p>At California's San Quentin prison, inmates who never even used a computer before are learning software development and planning their apps.</p>
<p><em>Read more of our best stories of the year, in these categories: <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-read</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">photos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">infographics</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">lists</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">videos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">maps</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">buildings</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">robots</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">transportation</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">bikes</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">food</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">collaborative consumption</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">cities</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">energy</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">environment</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">health</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">education</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">crowdfunding</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">innovative workplaces</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">privacy.</a></em></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3040053http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040053/the-top-6-most-enlightening-education-stories-of-2014?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040053/the-top-6-most-enlightening-education-stories-of-2014?partner=rss#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 11:00 +0000InnovationThe 9 Best Infographics Of 2014<aside class="note "><div class="note-inner"><hgroup></hgroup><p>Want more of Co.Exist's best stories of 2014? Read all of our end-of-the-year round-ups, in all of these categories:<br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-Read Stories</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">Photos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">Lists</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">Videos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">Maps</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">Buildings</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Robots</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Transportation</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Bikes</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Food</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Collaborative Consumption</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Cities</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Energy</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">Environment</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Health</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Education</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">Crowdfunding</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Innovative Workplaces</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Privacy</a><br />
</p></div></aside>
<p>Are you curious about what's going to happen in the next billion or so years? Well, lucky for you, we <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3024522/how-the-world-will-look-in-100000000000000000000-years-time" target="_self">have an infographic to let you know every important event from now until then</a>—and the next billion years after that, too.</p>
<p>We can also show you <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025369/this-is-what-200-calories-looks-like" target="_self">how to eat healthy</a> and <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029007/visualized/its-tax-time-do-you-know-what-youre-paying-for" target="_self">explain your taxes to you</a>. These are just a few of the most informative and fun infographics, visualizations, and other graphic stories that we've seen over the last year.</p>
<p>So pour over these charts and learn a little something (and, while you're at it, you can <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3023640/visualized/the-13-most-compelling-infographics-of-2013" target="_self">take a look at the ones we featured last year</a>):</p>
<p><strong>1: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3024522/how-the-world-will-look-in-100000000000000000000-years-time" target="_self">How The World Will Look In 100,000,000,000,000,000,000 Years Time</a></strong></p>
<p>All of our hand-wringing over climate change will seem pretty silly after an asteroid strike, supervolcano eruption, and disappearance of the male species.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//a.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039989-inline-infog-2014-1.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>2: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3034811/visualized/these-images-show-the-tiny-amount-of-metal-that-comes-from-earth-destroying-mines" target="_self">These Images Show The Tiny Amount Of Metal That Comes From Earth-Destroying Mines</a></strong></p>
<p>The new series, For What It's Worth, effectively asks the question: Is the destruction of mining worth the meager result?</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//h.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039989-inline-infog-2014-2.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>3: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025369/this-is-what-200-calories-looks-like" target="_self">This Is What 200 Calories Looks Like</a></strong></p>
<p>Guess what: 200 calories of carrots is a whole lot different than 200 calories of a candy bar.</p>
<p><strong>4: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3031384/if-this-is-what-spaceships-will-look-like-in-100-years-youre-going-to-want-to-get-in-line-no" target="_self">If This Is What Spaceships Will Look Like In 100 Years, You're Going To Want To Get In Line Now</a></strong></p>
<p>If we're going to ever settle down away from this planet, we're going to need spaceships like these—essentially living systems that can fly through space—to help get us there and keep us alive.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//g.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039989-inline-infog-2014-3.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>5: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037891/visualized/10-cities-visualized-by-how-cleanly-their-streets-are-laid-out" target="_self">10 Cities Visualized By How Cleanly Their Streets Are Laid Out</a></strong></p>
<p>London's streets run every which way, while Chicago is all north-south right angles. Can you find your city?</p>
<p><strong>6: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038358/heres-what-disney-princesses-would-look-like-with-normal-waistlines" target="_self">Here's What Disney Princesses Would Look Like With Normal Waistlines</a></strong></p>
<p>If Sleeping Beauty or The Little Mermaid were real humans, they would not have room for all their internal organs.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039989-inline-infog-2014-4.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>7: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029007/visualized/its-tax-time-do-you-know-what-youre-paying-for" target="_self">It's Tax Time: Do You Know What You're Paying For?</a></strong></p>
<p>For the cost of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile program, we can hire 4,784 elementary school teachers for one year. Use this tool to find out where your tax dollars are going and how they might be better spent.</p>
<p><strong>8: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028211/visualized/visualizing-which-countries-people-are-trying-to-get-away-from-and-where-theyre-g" target="_self">Visualizing Which Countries People Are Trying To Get Away From, And Where They're Going</a></strong></p>
<p>A new tool combines country-level and census data to reveal how people move across the planet.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039989-inline-infog-2014-5.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>9: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025392/watch-60-years-of-climate-change-in-15-seconds" target="_self">Watch 60 Years Of Climate Change In 15 Seconds</a></strong></p>
<p>After NASA scientists analyzed data from 1,000 meteorological stations from around the globe, they found a strange pattern.</p>
<p><em>Read more of our best stories of the year, in these categories: <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-read</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">photos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">infographics</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">lists</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">videos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">maps</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">buildings</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">robots</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">transportation</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">bikes</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">food</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">collaborative consumption</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">cities</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">energy</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">environment</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">health</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">education</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">crowdfunding</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">innovative workplaces</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">privacy.</a></em></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-9-best-infographics-of-2014?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-9-best-infographics-of-2014?partner=rss#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 11:00 +0000InnovationThe 14 Most Interesting Stories Of 2014<aside class="note "><div class="note-inner"><hgroup></hgroup><p>Want more of Co.Exist's best stories of 2014? Read all of our end-of-the-year round-ups, in all of these categories:<br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">Photos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">Infographics</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">Lists</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">Videos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">Maps</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">Buildings</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Robots</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Transportation</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Bikes</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Food</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Collaborative Consumption</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Cities</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Energy</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">Environment</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Health</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Education</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">Crowdfunding</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Innovative Workplaces</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Privacy</a><br />
</p></div></aside>
<p>2014 was, by any account, not a great year. In looking back at the stories that drew the most interest from our readers, we found a few moments of inspiration and joyousness to cut through the constant drumming of bad news. But even so, there's one overarching theme to most of our most popular stories: That we're quickly running out of time to alter the course our planet is on toward total environmental meltdown, and we're starting to come to terms with what that destruction is going to look like.</p>
<p>We've tried to take a positive view of <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035948/postcards-from-the-future-show-what-london-will-look-like-after-climate-change" target="_self">what London will look like after climate change</a> (lovely beach weather!) and started preparing for the <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039371/visualizing/this-is-what-your-city-would-look-like-if-all-the-worlds-ice-sheets-melt" target="_self">new layout of some of our cities once most of them are underwater</a>. And the exact cause of this future is all too clear, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035080/horrifingly-beautiful-photos-show-the-human-cost-of-chinas-massive-pollution-problem" target="_self">in photos showing exactly how bad the pollution is in China</a>.</p>
<p>All hope is not lost, though: 2015 is a new year with—we hope—better news. And even this year has seen its share of ingenious solutions, the kind we'll need more of (here is what <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3023658/the-top-13-stories-of-2013" target="_self">we talked about at the end of 2013, to compare)</a>. So take note of <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3026926/fund-this/meet-the-barbie-with-an-even-more-perfect-body" target="_self">a doll that doesn't make girls feel horrible about their body</a>, or <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027743/this-amazing-high-rise-apartment-building-looks-like-a-giant-tree" target="_self">a sustainable apartment building that looks like a tree</a>, or <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028012/this-edible-blob-is-a-water-bottle-without-the-plastic" target="_self">a water bottle that doesn't need a bottle at all</a>. More of all of these, please.</p>
<p>All our concerns aren't so lofty, though. We all have to go to work and eat, and both of those tasks also held your attention. In terms of work, we'd like to do less of it—<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035778/no-more-working-late-at-the-end-of-each-day-this-office-disappears" target="_self">at this office that forces you to stop working at the end of the day</a>—or at least enjoy it, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029110/5-simple-office-policies-that-make-danish-workers-way-more-happy-than-americans" target="_self">like they do in Denmark</a>. As for food, well, we'd like to learn how to eat without it killing us, so check out <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025369/this-is-what-200-calories-looks-like" target="_self">this helpful slide show of what 200 calories look like</a>, and why not counting those calories might have <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027307/why-youre-fat/your-fat-is-why-youre-not-as-bright-as-you-could-be" target="_self">bad implications for your intelligence</a>.</p>
<p>Here's the full list. The stories you read, shared, and commented on the most in 2014:</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//h.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039980-inline-top-1.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>1: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035948/postcards-from-the-future-show-what-london-will-look-like-after-climate-change" target="_self">Postcards From The Future Show What London Will Look Like After Climate Change</a></strong></p>
<p>Rising sea levels have turned London into Venice. Buckingham Palace is surrounded by slums that house climate refugees. This is what the future could hold.</p>
<p><strong>2: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029110/5-simple-office-policies-that-make-danish-workers-way-more-happy-than-americans" target="_self">5 Simple Office Policies That Make Danish Workers Way More Happy Than Americans</a></strong></p>
<p>Americans think it's normal to hate their jobs. Let us introduce you to the Danish concept of <em>arbejdsglæde</em>. It means happiness at work. Here's how Danish offices make sure it's happening.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//g.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039980-inline-top-2.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>3: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3032835/make-a-statement-for-gender-equality-and-turn-some-heads-with-the-fake-nipple-bikini-top#1" target="_self">Make A Statement For Gender Equality (And Turn Some Heads) With The Fake Nipple Bikini Top</a></strong></p>
<p>In many U.S. states, it's illegal to bare your nipple while being female. These designers thought: why not have some fun with the double standard?</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039980-inline-top-3.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>4: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035080/horrifingly-beautiful-photos-show-the-human-cost-of-chinas-massive-pollution-problem" target="_self">Horrifyingly Beautiful Photos Show The Human Cost Of China's Massive Pollution Problem</a></strong></p>
<p>Gritty, detailed scenes from some of China's most polluted places will make you grateful for the air you breathe.</p>
<p><strong>5: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3026926/fund-this/meet-the-barbie-with-an-even-more-perfect-body" target="_self">Meet The Barbie With An Even More Perfect Body</a></strong></p>
<p>The "Lammily" doll has the proportions of an average American 19-year-old. Can she beat Mattel for a slice of the toy market</p>
<p><strong>6: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037843/heres-what-happens-when-a-school-pays-its-teachers-a-lot-lot-more-money" target="_self">Here's What Happens When A School Pays Its Teachers A Lot, Lot More Money</a></strong></p>
<p>What if teachers were paid salaries more on par with doctors and lawyers? Lo and behold, the teachers perform better and students learn more.</p>
<p><strong>7: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039371/visualizing/this-is-what-your-city-would-look-like-if-all-the-worlds-ice-sheets-melt" target="_self">This Is What Your City Would Look Like If All The World's Ice Sheets Melt</a></strong></p>
<p>You're going to need to learn the names of some new islands.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039980-inline-top-4.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>8: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038984/this-bio-drone-grows-itself-and-then-melts-into-a-puddle-of-sugar-when-its-done-flying" target="_self">This Bio-Drone Grows Itself, And Then Melts Into A Puddle Of Sugar When It's Done Flying</a></strong></p>
<p>If the drone crashes into a sensitive place, like a coral reef, it just harmlessly disappears.</p>
<p><strong>9: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027743/this-amazing-high-rise-apartment-building-looks-like-a-giant-tree" target="_self">This Amazing High-Rise Apartment Building Looks Like A Giant Tree</a></strong></p>
<p>With balconies budding like leaves, no one could complain for lack of outdoor space in this building in France.</p>
<p><strong>10: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035778/no-more-working-late-at-the-end-of-each-day-this-office-disappears" target="_self">No More Working Late: At The End Of Each Day, This Office Disappears</a></strong></p>
<p>Work-life balance by design: At 6 p.m., the desks retract up to the ceiling, making room for creative community uses and keeping staff from working too late.</p>
<p><strong>11: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027307/why-youre-fat/your-fat-is-why-youre-not-as-bright-as-you-could-be" target="_self">Your Fat Is Why You're Not As Bright As You Could Be</a></strong></p>
<p>Scientists have discovered that a chemical produced by fat goes into your brain and makes it slower. But don't worry: there's an easy fix. Just guess what it is.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//d.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039980-inline-top-5.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>12: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025369/this-is-what-200-calories-looks-like" target="_self">This Is What 200 Calories Looks Like</a></strong></p>
<p>Guess what: 200 calories of carrots is a whole lot different than 200 calories of a candy bar.</p>
<p><strong>13: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3034811/visualized/these-images-show-the-tiny-amount-of-metal-that-comes-from-earth-destroying-mines" target="_self">These Images Show The Tiny Amount Of Metal That Comes From Earth-Destroying Mines</a></strong></p>
<p>The new series, For What It's Worth, effectively asks the question: Is the destruction of mining worth the meager result?</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//c.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039980-inline-top-6.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>14: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028012/this-edible-blob-is-a-water-bottle-without-the-plastic" target="_self">This Edible Blob Is A Water Bottle Without The Plastic</a></strong></p>
<p>Inspired by techniques from molecular gastronomy, the Ooho is a magical way to have your bottled water and eat it, too. Just maybe bring a towel.</p>
<p><em>Read more of our best stories of the year, in these categories: <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-read</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">photos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">infographics</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">lists</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">videos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">maps</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">buildings</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">robots</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">transportation</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">bikes</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">food</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">collaborative consumption</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">cities</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">energy</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">environment</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">health</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">education</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">crowdfunding</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">innovative workplaces</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">privacy.</a></em></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3039980http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014?partner=rss#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 11:00 +0000InnovationThe Top 11 Crowdfunding Projects We Threw Money At In 2014<aside class="note "><div class="note-inner"><hgroup></hgroup><p>Want more of Co.Exist's best stories of 2014? Read all of our end-of-the-year round-ups, in all of these categories:<br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-Read Stories</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">Photos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">Infographics</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">Lists</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">Videos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">Maps</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">Buildings</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Robots</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Transportation</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Bikes</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Food</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Collaborative Consumption</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Cities</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Energy</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">Environment</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Health</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Education</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Innovative Workplaces</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Privacy</a><br />
</p></div></aside>
<p>In the right hands, crowdfunding is a powerful tool to vet your idea and find out if there is consumer interest before you go to market. In the wrong hands, it's a great way to <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3033185/is-this-tesla-tower-a-scam-or-just-bad-science" target="_self">scam people out of some money with the promise of an idea that won't ever exist</a>.</p>
<p>We've surely covered our share of both, but these are some of the most exciting and—we hope—most viable of the projects that asked for regular folks to help get them off the ground this year. The big theme is, of course, fish. Yes, fish. One project wants money to <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3036786/fund-this/this-tuna-sushi-is-totally-tuna-free-its-made-from-tomatoes" target="_self">make fake fish out of tomatoes</a>. Another wants money to <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038051/fund-this/this-sustainable-sashimi-is-delivered-fresh-from-the-boat-and-to-your-door" target="_self">deliver fresh, sustainable fish right to your door</a> so you can skip the sushi bar entirely (last year was <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3023088/fund-this/the-top-11-crowdfunding-stories-of-2013" target="_self">all about scanners</a>).</p>
<p>There are also <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028527/fund-this/never-bike-in-the-dark-again-with-these-fender-mounted-lights" target="_self">newfangled bikes</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029888/fund-this/these-skateboards-are-made-out-of-the-plastic-clogging-our-oceans" target="_self">recycled plastic skateboards</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038111/fund-this/these-beautiful-recipes-all-have-one-common-ingredient-pot" target="_self">a cookbook for fancy pot recipes</a>. There's even <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025134/fund-this/calling-all-writers-move-to-detroit-and-get-a-free-house" target="_self">a chance to move to Detroit</a>. All the crowdfunding deadlines for these stories are long past, but not to worry, you're still finding out about them very early. If they hit their goal, they should be just about available now. You can still be an early adopter.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040052-inline-crowd-1.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>1: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3036786/fund-this/this-tuna-sushi-is-totally-tuna-free-its-made-from-tomatoes" target="_self">This Tuna Sushi Is Totally Tuna Free: It's Made From Tomatoes</a></strong></p>
<p>These tomatoes are cooked so finely you'll have a tough time distinguishing it from fish, which is a good thing because all the fish are disappearing from the sea.</p>
<p><strong>2: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3034607/fund-this/this-portable-foldable-wind-turbine-fits-in-a-backpack-and-can-charge-a-laptop" target="_self">This Portable, Foldable Wind Turbine Fits In A Backpack And Can Charge A Laptop</a></strong></p>
<p>If you're already a portable-solar-charger sort of person, perhaps you'd like to add a portable wind turbine to your renewable charger collection?</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040052-inline-crowd-2.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>3: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038051/fund-this/this-sustainable-sashimi-is-delivered-fresh-from-the-boat-and-to-your-door" target="_self">This Sustainable Sashimi Is Delivered Fresh From The Boat And To Your Door<br />
</a></strong></p>
<p>I want my guilt-free sushi, and I want it now.</p>
<p><strong>4: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038111/fund-this/these-beautiful-recipes-all-have-one-common-ingredient-pot" target="_self">These Beautiful Recipes All Have One Common Ingredient: Pot</a></p>
<p></strong>Serve a fancy meal, complete with "medicated butter nut squash soup," and get your guests extra giggly.</p>
<p><strong>5: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3031280/fund-this/this-grocery-store-in-berlin-will-have-zero-packaging" target="_self">This Grocery Store In Berlin Will Have Zero Packaging</a></strong></p>
<p>Original Unpacked won't have any plastic containers or paper wrapping—but tell that to the line of other package-free grocery stores that have tried that, and failed.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//d.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040052-inline-crowd-3.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>6: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029888/fund-this/these-skateboards-are-made-out-of-the-plastic-clogging-our-oceans" target="_self">These Skateboards Are Made Out Of The Plastic Clogging Our Oceans</a></strong></p>
<p>The "Minnow" is a fish-shaped skateboard made of pulverized fishing nets from the Chilean coast. Can a trio of surfer dude engineers turn excess plastic into a local commodity?</p>
<p><strong>7: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029874/fund-this/these-solar-roads-could-power-the-entire-country" target="_self">These Solar Roads Could Power The Entire Country</a></strong></p>
<p>The founders of the Solar Roadways project want to cover every highway in thick, LED-lit glass.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//c.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040052-inline-crowd-4.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>8: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028527/fund-this/never-bike-in-the-dark-again-with-these-fender-mounted-lights" target="_self">Never Bike In The Dark Again With These Fender-Mounted Lights</a></strong></p>
<p>The newest version of Revolights popular Tron-like bike lights lowers the price point so everyone can glow as they ride.</p>
<p><strong>9: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027364/this-cheap-strong-cardboard-standing-desk-will-let-you-ditch-your-deadly-office-sitting" target="_self">This Cheap, Strong Cardboard Standing Desk Will Let You Ditch Your Deadly Office Sitting</a></strong></p>
<p>Have you always wanted to try out a standing desk but didn't want to commit? This recyclable model is assembled without any glue or fasteners and costs only $65.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//b.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040052-inline-crowd-5.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>10: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3026926/fund-this/meet-the-barbie-with-an-even-more-perfect-body" target="_self">Meet The Barbie With An Even More Perfect Body</a></strong></p>
<p>The "Lammily" doll has the proportions of an average American 19-year-old. Can she beat Mattel for a slice of the toy market?</p>
<p><strong>11: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025134/fund-this/calling-all-writers-move-to-detroit-and-get-a-free-house" target="_self">Calling All Writers: Move to Detroit, And Get A Free House</a></strong></p>
<p>In hopes of building a literary scene in the downtrodden city, a new nonprofit aims to rebuild vacant homes and just give them away. Can't get better than free.</p>
<p><em>Read more of our best stories of the year, in these categories: <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-read</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">photos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">infographics</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">lists</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">videos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">maps</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">buildings</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">robots</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">transportation</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">bikes</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">food</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">collaborative consumption</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">cities</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">energy</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">environment</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">health</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">education</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">crowdfunding</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">innovative workplaces</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">privacy.</a></em></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3040052http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040052/the-top-11-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040052/the-top-11-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014?partner=rss#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 11:00 +0000InnovationThe Top 12 Buildings We Wanted To Live In This Year<aside class="note "><div class="note-inner"><hgroup></hgroup><p>Want more of Co.Exist's best stories of 2014? Read all of our end-of-the-year round-ups, in all of these categories:<br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-Read Stories</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">Photos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">Infographics</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">Lists</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">Videos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">Maps</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Robots</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Transportation</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Bikes</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Food</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Collaborative Consumption</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Cities</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Energy</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">Environment</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Health</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Education</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">Crowdfunding</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Innovative Workplaces</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Privacy</a><br />
</p></div></aside>
<p>We all need to live somewhere. And most people want to live in cities. But our cities are getting very full. To fit more people we're going to need to rethink our architectural strategies, as these new buildings—which range from the truly outlandish to the just slightly odd—show.</p>
<p>There are of course, a spectrum of the problems of cramped city living, and the people<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027322/think-your-apartment-is-small-check-out-these-super-tiny-hong-kong-houses" target="_self"> crammed into tiny apartments in Hong Kong</a> are at the far end. Knowing that's what happens when modern skyscrapers are jammed with people who can't afford a place to live in their city makes buildings like this <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027743/this-amazing-high-rise-apartment-building-looks-like-a-giant-tree" target="_self">spacious apartment building that looks like a tree</a> seem even more necessary.</p>
<p>Given that cities are running out of space and filling with people, many buildings this year sought out alternative options, either <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028570/these-old-bridges-will-become-inverted-high-rise-communities-complete-with-gorgeous-view" target="_self">repurposing existing infrastructure to create living spaces</a> or, in the case of <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3031143/the-next-giant-chinese-city-will-float-in-the-ocean" target="_self">a concept Chinese city</a> and <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029053/the-coastal-ark-hotel-can-float-away-when-sea-levels-rise" target="_self">a floating hotel</a>, moving off land entirely.</p>
<p>But going big isn't the only option. Unlike the residents of the cramped Hong Kong apartments, better designed tiny living spaces might be the key to a growing urban population. And so designers are <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029596/these-3-d-printed-houses-from-china-appear-in-just-a-few-hours" target="_self">3-D printing them</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3026691/tiny-prefab-50000-homes-could-make-outrageously-expensive-cities-affordable" target="_self">stacking them</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028738/these-parking-spot-sized-micro-homes-will-turn-parking-garages-into-mini-cities" target="_self">putting them in parking lots.</a> They're even <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025176/this-transformable-microapartment-has-secret-trap-doors-everywhere" target="_self">filling them with fun trap doors</a>.</p>
<p>The buildings we have aren't adequate (last year's <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3023644/the-top-11-buildings-of-2013" target="_self">trend was all about making them use less energy</a>). It's time to start replacing them, and these best buildings from the last year might be a start.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040041-inline-build-1.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>1: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027322/think-your-apartment-is-small-check-out-these-super-tiny-hong-kong-houses" target="_self">Think Your Apartment Is Small? Check Out These Super-Tiny Hong Kong Houses</a></strong></p>
<p>But they're not some project in urban microhousing. These minuscule dwellings are the result of poor workers trying to find a place to live in the city's booming real estate market.</p>
<p><strong>2: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3027743/this-amazing-high-rise-apartment-building-looks-like-a-giant-tree" target="_self">This Amazing High-Rise Apartment Building Looks Like A Giant Tree</a></strong></p>
<p>With balconies budding like leaves, no one could complain for lack of outdoor space in this building in France.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//d.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040041-inline-build-2.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>3: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3030110/this-giant-tower-in-the-desert-could-generate-as-much-power-as-the-hoover-dam" target="_self">This Giant Tower In The Desert Could Generate As Much Power As The Hoover Dam</a></strong></p>
<p>The Solar Wind Downdraft Tower will generate huge amounts of power—if it's ever built.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//c.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040041-inline-build-3.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>4: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028697/this-concrete-eating-robot-can-recycle-an-entire-building-on-the-spot" target="_self">This Concrete-Eating Robot Can Recycle An Entire Building On The Spot</a></strong></p>
<p>More concrete is manufactured than any other material on the planet. Luckily, the ERO robot has a healthy appetite.</p>
<p><strong>5: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028738/these-parking-spot-sized-micro-homes-will-turn-parking-garages-into-mini-cities" target="_self">These Parking-Spot-Sized Micro Homes Will Turn Parking Garages Into Mini-Cities</a></strong></p>
<p>Fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and a flexible living space, the SCADPad could be the way to creatively reuse the parking lot—one of a city's most wasteful uses of space.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//b.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040041-inline-build-4.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>6: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028570/these-old-bridges-will-become-inverted-high-rise-communities-complete-with-gorgeous-view" target="_self">These Old Bridges Will Become Inverted High-Rise Communities, Complete With Gorgeous View</a></strong></p>
<p>Apartments, stores, and even a school are planned as a way to reuse a set of dramatic concrete viaducts in southern Italy. From the entrance on top of the bridge, you hit the down button to descend.</p>
<p><strong>7: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3031143/the-next-giant-chinese-city-will-float-in-the-ocean" target="_self">The Next Giant Chinese City Will Float In The Ocean</a></strong></p>
<p>China is running out of room for its growing urban population. This amazing design—an entire prefab city that floats on water—could magically create more space.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//a.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040041-inline-build-5.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>8: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3025176/this-transformable-microapartment-has-secret-trap-doors-everywhere" target="_self">This Transformable Microapartment Has Secret Trap Doors Everywhere</a></strong></p>
<p>The hidden compartments in this amazing Madrid space start with a table that lowers from the ceiling and ends with a secret "tea room" in the bedroom.</p>
<p><strong>9: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029596/these-3-d-printed-houses-from-china-appear-in-just-a-few-hours" target="_self">These 3-D Printed Houses From China Appear In Just A Few Hours</a></strong></p>
<p>They won't win any beauty contest, but a Chinese company has figured out how to print practical homes from waste materials—all for half the cost of conventional construction.</p>
<figure class="inline-small inline">
<img src="//d.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-small/inline/2014/12/3040041-inline-build-6.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>10: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029637/americas-oddly-beautiful-suburban-sprawl-photographed-from-the-sky" target="_self">America's Oddly Beautiful Suburban Sprawl, Photographed From The Sky</a></strong></p>
<p>In a new book, photographer Christoph Gielen shows us haunting images of our endlessly repetitive development.</p>
<p><strong>11: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3026691/tiny-prefab-50000-homes-could-make-outrageously-expensive-cities-affordable" target="_self">Tiny, Prefab $50,000 Homes Could Make Outrageously Expensive Cities Affordable</a></strong></p>
<p>The YMCA's Y:Cube homes are portable, cheap, and can be built in an instant. Stack them up on top of each other and you have a whole community.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//g.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3040041-inline-build-7.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>12: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029053/the-coastal-ark-hotel-can-float-away-when-sea-levels-rise" target="_self">The Coastal "Ark Hotel" Can Float Away When Sea Levels Rise</a></strong></p>
<p>How's this for being prepared? If water levels rise too much, this waterproof building design could actually float in the ocean.</p>
<p><em>Read more of our best stories of the year, in these categories: <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-read</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">photos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">infographics</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">lists</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">videos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">maps</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">buildings</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">robots</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">transportation</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">bikes</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">food</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">collaborative consumption</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">cities</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">energy</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">environment</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">health</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">education</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">crowdfunding</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">innovative workplaces</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">privacy.</a></em></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3040041http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-we-wanted-to-live-in-this-year?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-we-wanted-to-live-in-this-year?partner=rss#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 11:00 +0000InnovationThe 9 Most Informative Maps Of 2014<aside class="note "><div class="note-inner"><hgroup></hgroup><p>Want more of Co.Exist's best stories of 2014? Read all of our end-of-the-year round-ups, in all of these categories:<br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-Read Stories</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">Photos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">Infographics</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">Lists</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">Videos</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">Buildings</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Robots</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Transportation</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Bikes</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Food</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Collaborative Consumption</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Cities</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Energy</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">Environment</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Health</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Education</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">Crowdfunding</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Innovative Workplaces</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Privacy</a><br />
</p></div></aside>
<p>A map is much more than a place to give you directions to your next destination. Used well, a map offers a view of the world from above that can change the way you think about our geography and the people who inhabit it.</p>
<p>Some of the maps we've seen this year have been truly mind-altering, like the series of maps showing <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035128/louisiana-is-going-to-end-up-underwater-sooner-than-you-might-think" target="_self">just how much of the state of Louisiana is sinking into the sea each year</a>. Others have been more whimsical, showing <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028743/this-atlas-maps-prejudice-not-places" target="_self">the petty prejudices people around the world hold for each other</a>.</p>
<p>And others will change the way you view the country—like the <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038673/visualizing/the-racial-profile-of-every-neighborhood-in-america-mapped" target="_self">map breaking down our population by race</a>—or our cities, like the map that <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037891/visualized/10-cities-visualized-by-how-cleanly-their-streets-are-laid-out" target="_self">abstracts cities based on their street grids</a>.</p>
<p>So take a quick trip through all these maps that changed our perspective this year:</p>
<p><strong>1: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039371/visualizing/this-is-what-your-city-would-look-like-if-all-the-worlds-ice-sheets-melt" target="_self">This Is What Your City Would Look Like If All The World's Ice Sheets Melt</a></strong></p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039988-inline-maps-2014-1.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p>You're going to need to learn the names of some new islands.</p>
<p><strong>2: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035128/louisiana-is-going-to-end-up-underwater-sooner-than-you-might-think" target="_self">Louisiana Is Going To End Up Underwater Sooner Than You Might Think</a></strong></p>
<p>This is really happening: A swath of a U.S. state—and an entire culture—is about to be lost underwater.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039988-inline-maps-2014-2.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>3: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3024327/visualized/an-atlas-of-the-human-body-that-maps-where-we-feel-emotions" target="_self">An Atlas Of The Human Body That Maps Where We Feel Emotions</a></strong></p>
<p>Happiness uses your whole body, but anger is concentrated in your head.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//d.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039988-inline-maps-2014-3.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>4: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3028743/this-atlas-maps-prejudice-not-places" target="_self">This Atlas Maps Prejudice, Not Places</a></strong></p>
<p>Americans think the French have smelly armpits. Swedes think Germans make bad cars. Here are the narrow-minded and hilarious ways that people around the world envision the map of Europe.</p>
<p><strong>5: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037891/visualized/10-cities-visualized-by-how-cleanly-their-streets-are-laid-out" target="_self">10 Cities Visualized By How Cleanly Their Streets Are Laid Out</a></strong></p>
<p>London's streets run every which way, while Chicago is all north-south right angles. Can you find your city?</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//c.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039988-inline-maps-2014-4.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>6: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3038673/visualizing/the-racial-profile-of-every-neighborhood-in-america-mapped" target="_self">The Racial Profile Of Every Neighborhood In America, Mapped</a></strong></p>
<p>These maps reveal the race and location of every single person in America. One dot for each person.</p>
<p><strong>7: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3024554/visualized/a-map-of-the-carbon-footprint-of-all-31000-zip-codes-in-the-us" target="_self">A Map Of The Carbon Footprint Of All 31,000 ZIP Codes In The U.S.</a></strong></p>
<p>This massive interactive tool shows why cities rule, and suburbs are big emissions belchers.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//b.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/fastcompany/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2014/12/3039988-inline-maps-2014-5.jpg" alt=""/>
</figure>
<p><strong>8: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3026188/this-map-shows-how-to-get-anywhere-you-want-in-america-without-taking-a-plane" target="_self">This Map Shows How To Get Anywhere You Want In America Without Taking A Plane</a></strong></p>
<p>Here's how you could hack together a national transportation network. Hope you brought a good book.</p>
<p><strong>9: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3036823/change-generation/subway-maps-for-cities-without-subways-dreamed-up-by-an-eighth-grader" target="_self">Subway Maps For Cities Without Subways, Dreamed Up By An 8th Grader</a></strong></p>
<p>Want to hop on a train in Austin or New Orleans? Take the orange line—and live inside Ivan Specht's aspirational creations. Or at the very least you can buy a T-shirt.</p>
<p><em>Read more of our best stories of the year, in these categories: <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039980/the-14-most-interesting-stories-of-2014" target="_self">Most-read</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039946/the-15-most-compelling-photo-essays-of-2014" target="_self">photos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039989/the-top-9-visualizations-of-2014" target="_self">infographics</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039979/the-13-coolest-craziest-lists-of-2014" target="_self">lists</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039965/the-8-best-videos-of-2014" target="_self">videos</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039988/the-best-9-maps-of-2014" target="_self">maps</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040041/the-top-12-buildings-of-2014" target="_self">buildings</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039966/the-top-9-robot-stories-of-2014" target="_self">robots</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040074/the-9-most-fascinating-transportation-stories-of-2014" target="_self">transportation</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039905/the-top-13-bike-stories-of-2014" target="_self">bikes</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039990/the-top-11-food-stories-of-2014" target="_self">food</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040049/the-top-7-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2014" target="_self">collaborative consumption</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039937/the-top-14-city-stories-of-2014" target="_self">cities</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039950/the-top-9-energy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">energy</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039958/the-top-11-environment-stories-for-2014" target="_self">environment</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039903/the-top-12-health-stories-of-2014" target="_self">health</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040053/the-top-6-education-stories-of-2014" target="_self">education</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040052/the-11-top-crowdfunding-projects-we-threw-money-at-in-2014" target="_self">crowdfunding</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3040021/the-top-10-innovative-workplace-stories-of-2014" target="_self">innovative workplaces</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3039969/the-11-scariest-and-most-interesting-privacy-stories-of-2014" target="_self">privacy.</a></em></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3039988http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039988/the-9-most-informative-maps-of-2014?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039988/the-9-most-informative-maps-of-2014?partner=rss#commentsWed, 24 Dec 2014 11:00 +0000InnovationNew York State To Ban Fracking: "Significant Health Risks" And "Many Red Flags"<p>In a cabinet meeting today, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/nyregion/cuomo-to-ban-fracking-in-new-york-state-citing-health-risks.html?smid=tw-bna" target="_blank">announced that the state would ban fracking</a>, reports the <em>New York Times.</em> The announcement comes after the state had a five-year moratorium on the practice, as it completed a report on the health risks. That report, now complete, offers a strong voice of support to those who have argued for years that the technique—which uses high-pressure chemical-treated water to blast hard-to-reach oil and natural gas out of the ground—leached into ground water and made people sick.</p>
<p>New York becomes the second state (after Vermont) to completely ban the practice, though many individual cities and towns across the country <a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/fracking/anti-fracking-map/local-action-documents/" target="_blank">have forbidden it within their borders</a>.</p>
<p><em>The Times</em> Albany reporter Thomas Kaplan reports that the state health commissioner came out strongly against the dangers of fracking:</p>
<figure class="inline-tweet inline"><iframe src="/twitframe?url=https://twitter.com/thomaskaplan/status/545268150691168257" border="0" frameborder="0" height="302.5" width="605" data-tweetId="545268150691168257" data-userHeight="0"></iframe></figure>
<figure class="inline-tweet inline"><iframe src="/twitframe?url=https://twitter.com/thomaskaplan/status/545269174105559040" border="0" frameborder="0" height="302.5" width="605" data-tweetId="545269174105559040" data-userHeight="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>Confused about fracking? Watch this great explainer video here:</p>
<figure class="inline-video inline"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Uti2niW2BRA?rel=1&amp;autoplay=0" width="560" height="340" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>And then maybe consider watching all these videos of <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1678012/fracking-and-poisonous-tap-water-now-officially-linked-lets-light-it-on-fire" target="_self">people lighting their tap water on fire.</a></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3040091http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040091/new-york-state-to-ban-fracking-significant-health-risks-and-many-red-flags?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040091/new-york-state-to-ban-fracking-significant-health-risks-and-many-red-flags?partner=rss#commentsWed, 17 Dec 2014 18:00 +0000InnovationWatch A Man In A Jetpack Dance With A Plane<p>Along with food pills and robot butlers, the futurists of the past generation seemed pretty confident that by 2015, we would each be issued our own personal flying device that would whisk us to our destination, ending commuting and opening up the skies for our soaring pleasure. This has turned out not to be true. Instead, all we have are trains that go pretty fast.</p>
<p>But a few brave souls are still fighting the good fight for our jetpacks. You can see one of them, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yves_Rossy" target="_blank">Yves Rossy</a>, taking his winged jetpack out for a spin in this video here. His flying partner? A plane:</p>
<figure class="inline-video inline"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wIElAMEetys?rel=1&amp;autoplay=0" width="560" height="340" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>Resident Co.Exist jetpack expert Mac Montandon, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jetpack-Dreams-Mostly-Greatest-Invention/dp/B005Q65R5Q" target="_blank"><em>Jetpack Dreams</em></a>, says: "While this is clearly not the jetpack of Buck Rogers, James Bond, or our science fiction dreams, it is the closest real-world application I've seen. And it makes the <a href="http://www.martinjetpack.com/" target="_blank">Martin Jetpack</a> look like exactly what it is: a lumbering, ducted-fan-driven SUV of the sky."</p>
<p>Perhaps you won't be flying like Rossy any time soon, but you can hold on to those jetpack dreams a little longer.</p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/3039766http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039766/watch-a-man-in-a-jetpack-dance-with-a-plane?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/3039766/watch-a-man-in-a-jetpack-dance-with-a-plane?partner=rss#commentsThu, 11 Dec 2014 15:01 +0000InnovationA Beautiful Vision Of An American High-Speed Rail Map<p>High-speed rail in this country is a joke. The <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680170/amtraks-vision-for-americas-high-speed-trains#1" target="_self">Acela barely even hits its highest speed</a> on its short route from Washington, D.C., to Boston and projects have been scuttled across the rest of the country as <a href="http://planetsave.com/2012/04/17/oh-wi-nj-fl-governors-lied-to-public-to-kill-high-speed-trains/" target="_blank">governments tighten their belts</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681098/300-mph-maglev-trains-pick-up-speed-around-the-world" target="_self">leaving us well behind Europe and Asia when it comes to fast, efficient rail travel.</a></p>
<p>But imagine if things were different. Imagine if, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681098/300-mph-maglev-trains-pick-up-speed-around-the-world" target="_self">instead of a rail system that hadn't materially improved in nearly a century</a>, our government had built an amazing network of high-speed rail lines that could whisk you from any major city to another in a matter of hours. That's what <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/californiarailmap/us-high-speed-rail-system" target="_blank">this map</a>, from <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681313/mapping-all-of-californias-public-transportation" target="_self">California Rail Map</a>, does.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//a.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2013/02/1681342-inline-us-high-speed-rail-system-by-firstcultural-2013-02-03.jpg" alt=""/><figcaption>Click to enlarge.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Created by Alfred Twu, the map compiles visions of possible American rail systems from a long list of places and mashes them together to show what a national rail network might look like. Need to get from Boston to Atlanta. That's easy. Just hop on the Blue Line to New York, grab a quick transfer to the White Line, and you'll be there in just a few hours.</p>
<p>Given the difficulties in building just a tiny part of this system (<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57564547/california-works-with-amtrak-to-make-high-speed-rail/" target="_blank">the chunk of the Yellow Line from L.A. to San Francisco</a>), we're so amazingly far away from this happening. Looking at this map <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1677878/forget-the-environment-high-speed-rail-is-good-for-business" target="_self">can be more frustrating than inspiring</a>. But <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680169/watch-an-actual-functioning-high-speed-rail-network" target="_self">just imagine</a>.</p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1681342http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681342/a-beautiful-vision-of-an-american-high-speed-rail-map?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681342/a-beautiful-vision-of-an-american-high-speed-rail-map?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:39 +0000high speed railTransportationVisualizingThe 16 Most Compelling Infographics Of 2012<aside class="note editors-note "><div class="note-inner"><hgroup><h4>Editor's Note</h4></hgroup><p>Check out all of our 2012 round-ups in all these exciting areas:<br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681095/the-top-14-buildings-of-2012#1" target="_self">Architecture</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681091/the-top-15-cities-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Cities</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681086/the-top-10-clean-tech-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Clean Tech</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681076/the-top-8-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Collaborative Consumption</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681096/the-top-14-design-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Design</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681097/the-top-12-education-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Education</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681089/the-top-12-energy-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Energy</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681114/the-top-14-environment-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Environment</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681108/the-top-15-food-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Food</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681093/the-top-13-health-stories-of-2012" target="_self">Health</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681088/the-16-most-compelling-infographics-of-2012#1" target="_self">Infographics</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681115/the-top-11-photo-essays-of-2012#1" target="_self">Photography</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681113/the-top-12-responsible-business-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Responsible Business</a><br />
• <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681085/the-top-12-transportation-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">Transportation</a></p></div></aside>
<p>2012 might be the year which we reached "<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/07/beyond-data-visualization-how-facebook-could-change-big-scary-numbers/241482/" target="_blank">peak infographic</a>." You can't have an issue or a piece of data without putting it into a picture so it's easier for people to understand. While this has mostly resulted in a glut of ugly graphics that don't actually do anything with data (and you'll see some of these below), it's still an incredibly simple way to get information to you fast. And this year, some of our most compelling content has appeared in the format. These are some of our favorites. You <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/section/visualized" target="_self">can see every infographic we've written about here</a>.</p>
<p>An always popular graphic trope is to find different ways of looking at the world map and how human beings are changing it; anything that visualized this new era—<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1678835/humans-massive-impact-on-earth-in-glowing-maps" target="_self">dubbed the Anthropocene</a>—where humanity is the most powerful force on Earth, and we saw several brilliant versions of this. But if we learned anything from infographics this year, it was about what we were eating. A number of graphics covered food waste, genetically modified food, and a host of issues around obesity and how we can change our eating habits to make us all less fat. There was also a trend toward predictions of the future. What are the next 100 years going to look like in terms of education and technology?</p>
<p>And then, of course: bikes. Who doesn't like a bit of confirmation that your biking life is better for you, your community, and the planet? We have charts for that, too:</p>
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<img src="//a.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2012/12/1681088-inline-from-igloolik-to-new-york.jpg" alt=""/>
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<p><strong>1: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1678835/humans-massive-impact-on-earth-in-glowing-maps" target="_self">Our Massive Impact On Earth, In Glowing Maps</a></strong></p>
<p>Whether it's building cities, railroads, or even power lines, our interconnected world has a heavy footprint on the rest of the environment. These mind-blowing renderings by the cartographers at Globaïa show the awe-inspiring power of human ingenuity.</p>
<p><strong>2: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680285/crazy-maps-show-the-world-organized-by-human-activity#-8" target="_self">Crazy Maps Show The World Organized By Human Activity</a></strong></p>
<p>Since humans live on only a small percentage of the land in the world, maps that just show that physical space don't really tell us much about how we live. These maps—from a cutting-edge cartographer—do.</p>
<p><strong>3: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680379/what-would-happen-if-the-entire-world-lived-like-americans" target="_self">What Would Happen If The Entire World Lived Like Americans?</a></strong></p>
<p>How many natural resources would we need if the entire world's population consumed them like Americans do? More than we have.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//a.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2012/12/1681088-inline-2-dencity-map.jpg" alt=""/>
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<p><strong>4: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1678927/a-map-of-where-all-7-billion-humans-are-cramming-together#1" target="_self">A Map Of Where All 7 Billion Humans Are Cramming Together</a></strong></p>
<p>A map of global population density shows the tightest-packed places in the world.</p>
<p><strong>5: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1676104/the-genetically-modified-food-you-eat-every-day" target="_self">The Genetically Modified Food You Eat Every Day</a></strong></p>
<p>GMO crops have infiltrated 80% of all the packaged food in the United States, and no one has told you. Here's why.</p>
<p><strong>6: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679284/dont-look-now-but-there-is-poison-in-your-lipstick" target="_self">Don't Look Now, But There Is Poison In Your Lipstick</a></strong></p>
<p>In fact, there is poison in a lot of stuff you rub all over yourself every day, from shampoo to deodorant to, yes, lipstick. This infographic lays out some of the dangers lurking in the drugstore.</p>
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<img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2012/12/1681088-inline-6-portion-control-inline-3-2.jpg" alt=""/>
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<p><strong>7: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679216/all-the-food-you-eat-is-why-youre-fat" target="_self">All The Food You Eat Is Why You're Fat</a></strong></p>
<p>But it's not your fault. The human brain isn't very good at not eating as much food as possible. So when companies give you so much food, you're going to gorge yourself. Time for some lessons in proper portions.</p>
<p><strong>8: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680494/the-environmental-impact-of-wasted-food" target="_self">The Environmental Impact Of Wasted Food</a></strong></p>
<p>Think twice before you throw away those leftovers. This infographic illustrates how wasted food has an impact that ripples across the environment.</p>
<p><strong>9: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680481/working-out-doesnt-just-make-you-stronger-it-makes-you-smarter" target="_self">Working Out Doesn't Just Make You Stronger, It Makes You Smarter</a></strong></p>
<p>So much for the idea of dumb jocks.</p>
<p><strong>10: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679722/the-data-that-proves-breakfast-is-the-most-important-meal-of-the-day" target="_self">The Data That Proves Breakfast Is The Most Important Meal Of The Day</a></strong></p>
<p>Yes, yes. It sounds like your mother nagging. But after crunching the data of thousands of users and their meals, the Eatery app discovered the truth: Skip breakfast and you're going to eat worse food for the rest of the day, and more of it.</p>
<p><strong>11: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679710/the-healthiest-eating-cities-in-the-world" target="_self">The Healthiest Eating Cities In The World</a></strong></p>
<p>The Eatery app has enough self-inputted data about people's dining habits that it can make some bold claims about where people are eating the best and worst in the world. Hint: Cheesesteaks aren't so great for you.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//a.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2012/12/1681088-inline-13-emerging-technology.jpg" alt=""/>
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<p><strong>12: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680247/an-interactive-infographic-maps-the-future-of-emerging-technology" target="_self">An Interactive Infographic Maps The Future Of Emerging Technology</a></strong></p>
<p>When will you get your robot butler? When will we first set foot on Mars? These and countless other questions about the future are answered in this amazing chart of where technology is headed in the next 30 years.</p>
<p><strong>13: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680348/mapping-the-future-of-education-technology" target="_self">Mapping The Future Of Education Technology</a></strong></p>
<p>If it's true that 65% of today's grade school students will work in jobs that don't exist yet, then we better get ready for some drastically different learning environments.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline">
<img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2012/12/1681088-inline-7-bike-eco-impact-map.jpg" alt=""/>
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<p><strong>14: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680611/bikes-arent-just-good-for-you-theyre-good-for-the-economy-too" target="_self">Bikes Aren't Just Good For You, They're Good For The Economy, Too</a></strong></p>
<p>The information in this handy graphic makes it clear that spending money on bike infrastructure can have far-reaching positive economic impacts.</p>
<p><strong>15: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1678986/this-bike-could-save-your-life-an-infographic-on-the-massive-benefits-of-bicycling" target="_self">This Bike Could Save Your Life: An Infographic On The Massive Benefits Of Bicycling</a></strong></p>
<p>But, really: How do you feel about losing 13 pounds? That's just one of the many benefits of bike commuting, all of which are contained in this compelling chart.</p>
<p><strong>16: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679641/the-insane-economics-of-not-legalizing-marijuana-in-one-handy-infographic" target="_self">The Insane Economics Of Not Legalizing Marijuana In One Handy Infographic</a></strong></p>
<p>There's a lot of green in green. This infographic shows just how much money is falling through the cracks, and how much we're spending to keep it underground.</p>
<p><em>More 2012 roundups:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681095/the-top-14-buildings-of-2012#1" target="_self">Architecture</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681091/the-top-15-cities-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">cities</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681086/the-top-10-clean-tech-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">clean tech</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681076/the-top-8-collaborative-consumption-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">collaborative consumption</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681096/the-top-14-design-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">design</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681097/the-top-12-education-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">education</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681089/the-top-12-energy-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">energy</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681114/the-top-14-environment-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">environment</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681108/the-top-15-food-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">food</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681093/the-top-13-health-stories-of-2012" target="_self">health</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681088/the-16-most-compelling-infographics-of-2012#1" target="_self">infographics</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681115/the-top-11-photo-essays-of-2012#1" target="_self">photography</a>, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681113/the-top-12-responsible-business-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">responsible business</a>, and <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681085/the-top-12-transportation-stories-of-2012#1" target="_self">transportation</a>.</em></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1681088http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681088/the-16-most-compelling-infographics-of-2012?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681088/the-16-most-compelling-infographics-of-2012?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:35 +0000antropocenecontaminationdensityearthfoodmakeupmapsobesityresourcesClean TechVisualizingThese Old Maps Show That America's Rail System Hasn't Improved In Almost A Century<p>People complain about the trains in the United States: They're not fast enough, they don't go to convenient locations. This is a chicken-and-egg situation: <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680170/amtraks-vision-for-americas-high-speed-trains#1" target="_self">We are also unwilling to pay for trains that go faster and go to convenient locations</a>. But these antique maps show we could have it much worse, but also that the <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1677878/forget-the-environment-high-speed-rail-is-good-for-business" target="_self">development of our rail transit has embarrassingly made almost no progress</a>.</p>
<p>Taken from the 1932 <em>Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States</em>, <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/slideshows/public-transportation/how-fast-could-you-travel-across-usa-1800s/" target="_blank">unearthed by Treehugger's Michael Graham Richards</a>, the maps show how long it would take to get from New York City to any other part of the country throughout history.</p>
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<img src="//b.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2012/12/1681032-inline-1830-trains.jpg" alt=""/>
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<p>For a baseline, let's look at 1830—largely before the advent of the passenger train. It would take you more than six weeks to get anywhere west of Chicago. Even just getting to Boston from New York took two days. But by the mid-1930s, railroads were being chartered to connect cities all along the East Coast.</p>
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<img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2012/12/1681032-inline-1857-trains.jpg" alt=""/>
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<p>By 1857, you can see how the spread of eastern railroads has connected much of New England and the mid-Atlantic. With enough money for a train ticket, you could now easily get from New York to Boston in a day. Chicago is a mere two days from the East Coast. But this is before the first transcontinental railroad was completed (that wouldn't happen until 1869), so travel times west of the Mississippi are still incredibly lengthy.</p>
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<img src="//a.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/inline/2012/12/1681032-inline-1930-trains.jpg" alt=""/>
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<aside class="note editors-note "><div class="note-inner"><hgroup><h4>Editor's Note</h4></hgroup><p>See some <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680191/elon-musks-jetsons-tunnel-and-other-out-there-high-speed-transit-ideas" target="_self">truly crazy ideas for high-speed rail of the future, like giant <em>Jetsons</em>-inspired tubes.</a></p></div></aside>
<p>What a difference a coast-to-coast train makes. By 1930, you can traverse the entire country in just three days by rail. Here is where these maps stop becoming historical artifacts and start becoming damning pronouncements about our current state of affairs.</p>
<p>Eighty years later, it still takes three days to get from New York to the West Coast by rail. We've made zero progress in the speed of our rail travel since 1930. No wonder people aren't excited about train travel: It works the same as it did during the Great Depression. While around the rest of the world, <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680169/watch-an-actual-functioning-high-speed-rail-network" target="_self">we see trains setting speed records</a>, we have to be content with our 1930 train speeds. Perhaps it's <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680170/amtraks-vision-for-americas-high-speed-trains#1" target="_self">time to spend a little more cash to take our trains into the modern era?</a></p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1681032http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681032/these-old-maps-show-that-americas-rail-system-hasnt-improved-in-almost-a-century?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1681032/these-old-maps-show-that-americas-rail-system-hasnt-improved-in-almost-a-century?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:35 +0000rail travelTransportationVisualizingWatch One Mesmerizing Day Of All The Public Transit In New York<p>New York is a city defined by its public transportation system. It's why, when large parts of it were <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680828/a-look-inside-new-yorks-underwater-subways#1" target="_self">taken out during Sandy</a>, it was so palpable: It was <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680851/a-look-inside-the-heroic-cleanup-effort-in-new-yorks-subways#1" target="_self">an easy touchstone for the damage done throughout the city</a>. If <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680898/the-ruined-stations-of-new-yorks-subways#1" target="_self">the subways weren't working, the city was truly in trouble</a>. This video, which shows one day of the MTA's entire system, shows just why: The public transit that keeps the city running is an insanely complex dance that's also mesmerizing to watch.</p>
<p>There's so much happening in the video that it can be a little hard to parse. It begins at 4 a.m., when there isn't enough activity to make it entirely clear what's going on. As rush hour begins, though, you begin to see the outlines of the subway map and the city taking form. Each square on the subway is coded to the color of its subway line. For instance, you can see a solid stream of green squares—representing the 4 and 5 trains—leaving the southern tip of Manhattan and rolling through the tunnel into Brooklyn.</p>
<p>By 10 a.m., you can fully see the colorful New York subway map (it may be a little hard to recognize, because this map isn't scaled the same way as <a href="http://37signals.com/svn/posts/396-helpful-distortion-at-nyc-london-subway-maps" target="_blank">the squished and distorted subway map</a>). All the colorful squares moving between the subway lines are buses. And if you look to northern Manhattan or western Brooklyn, you can see an occasional lone grey square—a MetroNorth or Long Island Rail Road train—going off to a farther destination.</p>
<p>As we've seen with videos of <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679490/everyone-in-europe-is-carpooling-everywhere" target="_self">carpooling in Germany</a> and <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680907/a-citys-successful-bike-share-visualized" target="_self">bike-sharing in Boston</a>, point-to-point transit data makes for an easy compelling data visualization. It's fascinating to watch because our society is built on the premise that we move around a lot, and we've constructed complex systems to serve that need. To watch them in action—especially one as complex and important as New York's—gives you a true sense of human accomplishment.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/STLTransit" target="_blank">intrepid YouTuber</a> who created this video has made simmilar videos for a bunch of other cities—including Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. None are remotely as compelling as New York's, but there are a few below for your viewing enjoyment.</p>
<figure class="inline-video inline"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YA9It7eG8U4?rel=1&amp;autoplay=0" width="584" height="354" frameborder="0"></iframe><figcaption>Los Angeles</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="inline-video inline"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7iAXnLKCetY?rel=1&amp;autoplay=0" width="584" height="354" frameborder="0"></iframe><figcaption>Washington, D.C.</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="inline-video inline"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_Df_BATlq08?rel=1&amp;autoplay=0" width="584" height="354" frameborder="0"></iframe><figcaption>San Francisco</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="inline-video inline"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/L0Yn7kCx2zY?rel=1&amp;autoplay=0" width="584" height="354" frameborder="0"></iframe><figcaption>Chicago</figcaption></figure>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1680982http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680982/watch-one-mesmerizing-day-of-all-the-public-transit-in-new-york?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680982/watch-one-mesmerizing-day-of-all-the-public-transit-in-new-york?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:35 +0000New Yorkpublic transitTransportationVisualizingWorking Out Doesn't Just Make You Stronger, It Makes You Smarter<p>We already know the facts: Our country is in the midst of an obesity epidemic. Few American adults exercise enough, and that poor lifestyle choice is getting handed down to our children, who are getting fat at record levels. And all that obesity is affecting our health, causing heart disease, diabetes, and untold other health consequences. But what if the effects aren't only physical?</p>
<p>This new infographic, from <a href="http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/08/27/exercise-makes-you-smarter/" target="_blank">OnlineCollegeCourses.com</a> points out that exercise has some great benefits for not just how our body works, but how our brains work, too. It's clearly important for kids, who need all the brain power they can get for school, but it's equally important for adults: A fit worker is a fast, efficient worker.</p>
<p>First, let's review the facts. Children—who should be buzzing about with so much energy that we have to ask them not to exercise—aren't moving around that much anymore. (Ironically, part of the problem is the diminished role of phys ed in many public schools.) Only one in four children get 30 minutes of daily exercise, and by the time they're teenagers, only 12% are getting their daily recommended amount of physical activity.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//g.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/excercise-brain-inline-1.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
<p>So what? Bill Gates probably spent more time tinkering with computers than he did on the basketball court, and he turned out fine. But not all of us are Bill Gates. In fact, only one of us is. Most of us could probably use a little brain boost, and it turns out that exercise does just that. In studies of students, vigorous exercise was shown to improve IQ scores by 3.8 points—and test scores, too.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/excercise-brain-inline-3.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
<p>This applies to adults, as well. Exercise improves memory, releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (a protein that makes your neurons healthier), and has been shown to potentially increase the size of your hippocampus—the part of the brain responsible for memory and spatial recognition. It's no surprise, then, that college students who work out before class do better on tests, and workers who work out are more efficient.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/excercise-brain-inline-2.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
<p>The lesson? If your employees want to take a longer lunch break to hit the gym, you should let them. You'll be getting more than enough out of them in the afternoon to make up for the lost time.</p>
<p>See the <a href="http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/08/27/exercise-makes-you-smarter/" target="_blank">full infographic here</a> or see it below, if you're not too busy at the gym:</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/excercise-brain-full.jpg" alt=""/></figure>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1680481http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680481/working-out-doesnt-just-make-you-stronger-it-makes-you-smarter?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680481/working-out-doesnt-just-make-you-stronger-it-makes-you-smarter?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:32 +0000exerciseHealthVisualizingA Visual Guide To Health Care Innovation<p>Just because health care reform is now around the corner, don't think that our health woes are solved. We still spend inordinate amounts of money on our medical bills in this country, wealthier communities still receive far better care than less-well off ones, and the medical profession sometimes lags far behind in terms of incorporating technology to make it more accessible and understandable to the average patient. And that's just a short list of the issues.</p>
<p>But no problem is too large for our country's innovative entrepreneurs. And this new interactive site, <a href="http://healthydoseofimagination.com/" target="_blank">Healthy Dose of Imagination</a>, takes you through some of the companies, startups, and organizations that are working on improving every aspect of the health experience, from electronic records to genome sequencing.</p>
<p>The site frames our health issues in terms of imagining solutions to our current problems. For instance, we go to the emergency room when we don't have to:</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//f.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/healthy-imagination-2.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
<p>Imagine if we didn't:</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//g.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/healthy-imagination-1.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
<p>You can also see a list of some of the startups working on solutions that might mitigate the problem like—in this instance—<a href="http://symcat.com/" target="_blank">Symcat.com</a> and <a href="http://www.meddik.com/" target="_blank">Meddik</a>, two startups that offer medical advice when you enter your symptoms.</p>
<p>The site is a project of the <a href="http://collaborativefund.com/" target="_blank">Collaborative Fund</a>, a venture fund which has invested in some of these health innovators (and which helps us with <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/section/the-future-of-collaboration" target="_self">a series on the future of collaboration</a> on Co.exist and whose founder—full disclosure—<a href="http://veryshortlist.com/home/" target="_blank">I work with on another project</a>).</p>
<p>So click through. If you have a particular part of health care that you care about, you can discover the companies doing the most innovative work in that field and get in on the ground floor.</p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1680204http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680204/a-visual-guide-to-health-care-innovation?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680204/a-visual-guide-to-health-care-innovation?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:29 +0000collaborative fundhealthy dose of imaginationmeddikHealthVisualizingWatch An Actual Functioning High Speed Rail Network<p>There's been a lot of talk recently about what it will take to get trains to run quickly in the Eastern corridor, almost enough to mask the sad fact that we are still the laughing stock of the developed world when it comes to both fast trains and, really, any trains at all. These <a href="http://senseable.mit.edu/trainsofdata/" target="_blank">videos from MIT's Senseable City Lab</a> that depict the French rail system just make that more clear.</p>
<p>In the first video, above, you can see all the trains moving through the country for an entire week. Green trains are on time, while red trains are late. Clearly, the French have a little bit of a flexible relationship with timeliness, but what's more interesting is how many trains they have going at any one time. It's a whole fleet of rail transportation. Contrast that to how difficult it is to travel between most major American cities on Amtrak.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/train_animation_public%2004.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
<p>The second video, while slightly hard to grasp, is potentially more interesting. It reimagines the map of France by using travel times to mark the distance between cities. So, a trip between two cities on one of the country's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TGV" target="_blank">175 mph trains</a> moves the cities quite close together on the map. As delays and changing schedules alter the time between cities, the map shifts.</p>
<figure class="inline-video inline"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bGyfuSlYWa0?rel=1&amp;autoplay=0" width="584" height="354" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>What would a map of America manipulated the same way look like?</p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1680169http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680169/watch-an-actual-functioning-high-speed-rail-network?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680169/watch-an-actual-functioning-high-speed-rail-network?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:29 +0000francehigh speed railmitsenseable city labTransportationVisualizingThese Maps Show The Intensity Of The Record-Crushing Heat Scorching The Country<p>If you live in any part of the country that's not the Bay Area, you're probably experiencing some very hot temperatures. If you've said to yourself: "I can't recall a time it's been this hot in July," you're very astute. The U.S. has been setting heat records at a record pace.</p>
<p>From NPR's blog <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/07/06/156369399/how-hot-is-it-all-you-need-to-see-are-these-two-maps" target="_blank">The Two Way come these shocking maps</a>. The first shows every place in the United States, as measured by the <a href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html" target="_blank">National Climatic Data Center</a>, that have broken a heat record in July:</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//e.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/julyrecords_custom.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
<p>In just five days, 942 records were broken and another 273 were tied. And this isn't just a five-day abberation. June was just as bad, with 2,284 broken heat records and 998 ties:</p>
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<p>In 2012 so far, says The Two Way, there have been 23,283 records. That's up 71% over the same period last year. So grab your sunscreen: Tomorrow—and every foreseeable day in the future—might be the hottest day ever.</p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1680150http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680150/these-maps-show-the-intensity-of-the-record-crushing-heat-scorching-the-country?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680150/these-maps-show-the-intensity-of-the-record-crushing-heat-scorching-the-country?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:29 +0000heatnprthe two wayEnvironmentVisualizingThe Horrifying Numbers Behind America's Smoking Habit<p>If you live in a major urban center where the government has banned smoking in bars, restaurants, and parks, you may not really be aware that people still smoke. A lot. Despite years of advertising and warnings that smoking gives you cancer, people continue to start smoking and then have a hard time stopping, due to the incredibly addictive power of nicotine.</p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.legacyforhealth.org/aspen/" target="_blank">new series of infographics</a>, made by the <a href="http://www.thebutlerbros.com/" target="_blank">Butler Brothers</a> for <a href="http://www.legacyforhealth.org/home.aspx/" target="_blank">Legacy for Health</a> and released today at the Aspen Ideas Festival, puts the problem into stark relief and shows that despite the onslaught of advertisements, we still have a long way to go before we eliminate this health problem. You can see a series of all 10 infographics in the slide show above, and some fun video versions of them below.</p>
<p>The first thing that's important to think about is that this is not just a question of personal choice. Besides secondhand smoke, there are far reaching societal costs to a person deciding to smoke their entire life. Those decisions cost all of us a lot of money. Despite the fact that the average pack of cigarettes costs $6.01, the societal costs— in terms of medical bills and more—are double that, at $12.10 per pack.</p>
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<p>Smoking is also not an equal opportunity offender. Being below the poverty line is a good determinant of whether or not you're a smoker (having a college education usually means you're not). Which is to say, the least well-off among us have the physical and economical burdens of a lifetime—and then we're all dealing with the health consequences.</p>
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<p>Knowing what we now now, you might wonder, why don't people just quit? We've all heard how hard it can be, but these numbers reveal just how incredibly difficult quitting really is: Every year 52% of smokers make some attempt to quit, but only 6% succeed. Those are not good odds.</p>
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<p>There are other facts at work here (see the <a href="http://www.legacyforhealth.org/aspen/" target="_blank">whole site containing the graphics here</a>), like how much popular culture influences kids to smoke, and the damage to the environment that cigarette butts cause—after the damage to your body. All of which goes to say that this is a problem that we may have put aside in favor of other, more sexy public health concerns, but it's still a massive one that's not going away despite huge expenditures—and it needs to.</p>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1680093http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680093/the-horrifying-numbers-behind-americas-smoking-habit?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680093/the-horrifying-numbers-behind-americas-smoking-habit?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:28 +0000butler brotherslegacy for healthsmokingHealthVisualizingInfographic: Untangling The Web Of Poverty, Obesity, And Food<p>We've <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679104/fork-in-the-road-drives-the-grocery-store-to-food-deserts" target="_self">written a lot</a> <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1678581/garden-on-the-go-brings-fresh-produce-to-food-deserts" target="_self">about</a> <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679665/a-hydroponic-farm-grows-in-this-brooklyn-food-pantry" target="_self">the idea of food deserts</a>, places in this country where there just isn't that much—if any—fresh food available to buy. This can often mean skyrocketing obesity rates, as the residents of these food deserts are, out of necessity, forced to eat bad, processed foods because that's all there is. Food deserts, for the most part, affect poor people. There aren't a lot of wealthy neighborhoods without supermarkets stocked with glistening produce. This new infographic, by Jess3 for <a href="http://causeshift.com/home" target="_blank">CauseShift</a>, attempts to draw some more concrete connections between poverty and obesity, and also highlights another concept: food insecurity.</p>
<p>Food insecurity is a simple idea. A food insecure household sometimes doesn't have the financial resources to provide food for all of its members. It's a more common problem than you think. In 2010, <a href="http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/foodsecurity/stats_graphs.htm" target="_blank">nearly 50 million American households were listed as food insecure</a>. As you can imagine, when you're worried about having enough money to buy food for your family, whether or not the food you do manage to buy is making you fat is probably not a top concern. Bad food is better than no food.</p>
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<p>Let's look at Mississippi, for example. This infographic compares a state's poverty rate, obesity rate, food assistance rate, and food insecurity level. The state is the most obese (red dot) and one of the poorest (blue dot). It's also one of the most food insecure (check the full infographic below to make your own comparisons).</p>
<p>Peruse this graphic (it's a little obtuse, but put on your thinking cap) and you start to see some patterns. The outer ring of red dots—the most obese states—are often the most poor and the most food insecure. Is correlation causation? No. But it's a good way of seeing that food access, poverty, and obesity are all linked in a complicated web of problems. Solutions that try to address just one area are going to fail; the whole mess needs to be combated more systemically.</p>
<p>You can see the entire infographic below or view it <a href="http://www.visualizing.org/visualizations/cause-shift-obesity-and-hunger-infographic" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<figure class="inline-large inline"><img src="//h.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/coexist/imagecache/inline-large/post-inline/jess3_causeshift-infographicforhunger.jpg" alt=""/></figure>Morgan Clendanielhttp://www.fastcoexist.com/1680013http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680013/infographic-untangling-the-web-of-poverty-obesity-and-food?partner=rss
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680013/infographic-untangling-the-web-of-poverty-obesity-and-food?partner=rss#commentsThu, 13 Nov 2014 16:28 +0000food insecurityobesityVisualizing